STRATEGIC PLAN FOR
THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CSC INITIATIVE
APPROVED BY THE NCSIG
April 2010
1
Context for CSCs
National Children’s Strategy
The three national goals of the strategy are:
Goal 1 - Children will have a voice in matters which affect them and their views will be given due weight in accordance with their age and maturity.
Goal 2 - Children's lives will be better understood; their lives will benefit from evaluation, research and information on their needs, rights and the
effectiveness of services.
Goal 3 - Children will receive quality supports and services to promote all aspects of their development.
7 National Outcomes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Healthy, both physically and mentally
Supported in active learning
Safe from accidental and intentional harm
Economically secure
Secure in the immediate and wider physical environment
Part of positive networks of family, friends, neighbours and the community
Included and participating in society
2
Policy origins of Children’s Services Committees
Towards 2016 Ten-Year Framework Social Partnership Agreement 2006-2015 – “At local level a multi-agency Children’s Committee will be
established within each of the City/County Development Boards. These committees will be chaired by the HSE who are best placed to drive this
initiative to achieve coordinated and integrated services”
The Agenda for Children’s Services: A Policy Handbook – “The achievement of the 7 National Service Outcomes for Children requires an even wider
and deeper engagement by all Departments, Agencies and services with responsibility, however limited, for children. To support the achievement of
the whole system delivery, new interdepartmental, cross agency and multidisciplinary ways of working are needed.”
Transforming public services – “In specific areas where a number of agencies are interacting with the same client group, protocols should be
developed for effective interaction and appropriate case-working”
Report of the Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse, 2009 Implementation Plan – “Managers and staff of the various agencies working in an area
with vulnerable children and families need to cooperate more effectively to ensure children’s needs are met.”
Programme for Government – Accelerate the establishment of Children’s Services Committees in each county so that all the statutory agencies work
together in a strategic way and use resources more efficiently for the benefit of children
Renewed Programme for Government – We will establish a Children’s Services Committee in each County by 2016
3
Purpose of Children’s Services Committees
The purpose of this initiative is to secure better developmental outcomes1 for children through more effective integration of
existing services and interventions at local level.
3 Year Outcomes (i.e. by Dec 2012)
1. 20+ multi-agency CSCs planned and operational, lead by the HSE and based on the Agenda for Children’s Services
2. Agreed governance framework in place to support the CSCs
3. NCSIG is the key driver for strategic planning and resourcing decisions at national level, relating to children’s services and the delivery of
Transforming Public Services for children
4. Structured engagement between the statutory, voluntary and community sectors, in relation to the Children’s Services Committees
5. Structures and mechanisms in place to ensure children and young people’s active participation in planning and delivery of services
6. Networking & communications strategy developed and fully functioning to support the CSCs
7. Evaluation plan in place to assess the effectiveness of CSCs as a mechanism for improving outcomes for children
8. Comparative data available on children’s outcomes at county level, maximising the use of information sharing and data collection mechanisms
9. A developing culture in children’s services where evidence informs policy and practice
10. CSCs will have identified service delivery and practice changes which can be linked to improved outcomes for children.
1
7 National Outcomes
4
3 Year Outcomes
Explanation – What will
achieving the 3 year outcome
involve?
Core activities associated with this outcome
1. 20+ CSCs planned
and operational
based on the
Agenda for
Children’s Services

Phase 1 CSCs (4 existing CSC)
 Qualitative process evaluation of CSC implementation
 Technical & organisational needs assessment
Phase 2 CSCs (6-7 new CSCs – 2010)
 CSC Induction seminar/event
 Devise template & identify support for CSC work planning
 Updated version of toolkit
 CSCs produce individual work plans
 Technical & organisational needs assessment (based on
template from Phase 1 CSCs)
Phase 3 CSCs (5+ CSCs– 2011)
 Preparedness & information sessions
 Call for new county applicants
 Decision on new county applicants
 Induction seminar/event
 CSCs produce individual work plans
 Technical & organisational needs assessment (based on
template from Phase 1 CSCs)
Phase 4 CSCs (5+ CSCs– 2012)
 Preparedness & information sessions
 Call for new county applicants
 Decision on new county applicants
 Induction seminar/event
 CSCs produce individual work plans
 Technical & organisational needs assessment (based on
template from Phase 1 CSCs)
Learning & dissemination events
1st learning event to address findings from process evaluation
and the need for a standardised approach to outcomes based
needs led planning




Each CSC will receive requisite
supports and training, and have
a clear mandate
There is a standardised coherent
approach to outcomes based
needs led planning, as per
Agenda for Children’s Services,
and national child wellbeing
indicators
6-7 new CSCs operational in
2010, with a work plan (Phase 2)
5+ new CSCs in 2011, with a
work plan (Phase 3)
5+ new CSCs in 2012, with a
work plan (Phase 4)
Responsibilities (lead
responsibility is
underlined)
Timeframe –
Proposed end
dates
CES
CES
Q2 2010
Q3 2010
CES OMCYA HSE
OMCYA CES
OMCYA CES
CSCs
OMCYA CSCs CES
Q1/2 2010
Q2 2010?
Q3 2010
Q4 2010
Q4 2010/Q1 2011
OMCYA HSE NCSIG
OMCYA HSE NCSIG
NCSIG
OMCYA CES HSE
CSCs
OMCYA CSCs CES
Q2/3 2010
Q4 2010
End Q4 2010
Q1 2011
Q4 2011
Q4 2011/ Q1 2012
OMCYA HSE NCSIG
OMCYA HSE NCSIG
NCSIG
OMCYA CES HSE
CSCs
OMCYA CSCs CES
Q2/3 2011
Q4 2011
End Q4 2011
Q1 2012
Q4 2012
Q4 2012/ Q1 2013
OMCYA NCSIG CES
Q4 2010, 20111,
2012
5
3 Year Outcomes
2. Agreed
governance
framework in place
to support the CSCs
3. NCSIG is the key
driver for strategic
planning and
resourcing decisions
at national level,
relating to children’s
services
Explanation – What will
achieving the 3 year outcome
involve?
Governance framework for CSCs
should cover:
 Role and responsibilities of
NCSIG and CSC members &
chair (collectively, and as
individuals)
 Membership of NCSIG and CSCs
 Accountabilities and reporting
lines for CSCs at local level, and
at national level
 Local structures and reporting
relationships relevant to CSCs,
 National structures and
reporting relationships relevant
to CSCs and NCSIG
 Interface between the statutory
and the community and
voluntary sector
 Need a clear governance
framework for NCSIG and CSCs
(see outcome 2)
 For NCSIG to deliver on this
outcome, it needs to have good
information available to it to
inform its decisions and to have
a strategic role in identifying
priorities and issues emerging
from evidence based policy and
practice, and from CSCs plans.
Core activities associated with this outcome
Responsibilities (lead
responsibility is
underlined)
Timeframe –
Proposed end
dates
CSC Work plans
 Quarterly CSC progress reports to NCSIG
 CSCs to review 3 year work plans
Each CSC
Each CSC

Develop paper outlining recommendations on mandate,
functions, governance and accountability of the CSCs and
NCSIG
CES
Quarterly
June –Dec, every
3 years
Q4 2009/ Q1 2010

Review paper and consult with HSE, Department of
Environment and others, as appropriate
OMCYA, HSE, Dept of Env
Q1 2010

NCSIG agrees governance framework
NCSIG
Q2 2010

Disseminate governance framework
OMCYA
Q2/3 2010

Incorporate governance framework into toolkit
OMCYA CES
Q3 2010

Agree the Strategic Plan for the development and
implementation of the CSC initiative
NCSIG OMCYA
Q1 2010

Monitor progress in implementation of the strategic plan
and prepare Annual CSC Progress Reports (which should
identify progress and major emerging issues and trends)
and a comparative assessment of priority outcomes
emerging in CSC plans
NCSIG OMCYA
Annual report in
Q1 of each year,
starting Q1 2010
Biannual –
Emerging Trends

Draw out NCSIG Work plan from this strategic plan
NCSIG Chair
Q1 2010
6
3 Year Outcomes
Explanation – What will
achieving the 3 year outcome
involve?
Core activities associated with this outcome
4. Structured
engagement
between the
statutory and
voluntary sectors at
local, community
and national level,
in relation to CSCs

Want appropriate and
meaningful collaboration
between the community and
voluntary sectors and the
statutory sectors at CSC and
national level

Identify the role of the community and voluntary sector in
local and national CSC structures (Dependent on
outcome 2)

CSCs should include
representatives from all key
statutory and non-statutory
agencies working with children,
including representatives from
the community and voluntary
sectors
5. Structures and
mechanisms in place
to ensure children
and young people’s
active participation
in planning and
delivery of services
at local, community
and national level

At national level the Children
and Young People’s
Participation Partnership
Committee led by OMCYA sets
the strategic context for children
and young people’s participation
in decision-making.





CSCs will support national
initiatives that involve children
and young people in decisionmaking on the development and
delivery of children’s services.

Responsibilities (lead
responsibility is
underlined)
Timeframe –
Proposed end
dates
Implementation of 2 year development plan for
Comhairle na nÓg
Engaging with Government Departments and agencies,
the HSE and NGO’s in promoting and supporting children
and young people’s participation in policies and services.
An audit of existing national and local structures,
initiatives, and projects for participation by children and
young people is being conducted by OMCYA.
Development of long term strategic plan on children and
young people’s participation.
OMCYA/LocalAuths/IVEA/
HSE/Youth Sector/young
people
OMCYA/Partnership
Committee
OMCYA/Partnership
Committee
2010-2011
OMCYA/Partnership
Committee
Q2 2011
CSCs will commit to examining the outcomes and
recommendations from the OMCYA consultations with
children and young people in the care of the State and
other appropriate national, regional and local
participation initiatives.
All CSC agencies/OMCYA/
HSE Engaging Children
Working Group
Q ¾ 2010
Q4 2010
Q2/Q3 2010
7
3 Year Outcomes
6. Networking &
communications
strategy developed
and fully functioning
to support the CSCs
Explanation – What will
achieving the 3 year outcome
involve?
Core activities associated with this outcome
Responsibilities (lead
responsibility is
underlined)
Timeframe –
Proposed end
dates

CSCs will support the continued
development of Comhairle na
nÓg as a key consultative and
participation forum in every CSC.

CSCs will develop and maintain appropriate links with
Comhairle na nÓg
All agencies involved in
CSCs/NCSIG
Ongoing

CSCs will build a culture and
practice of participation among
those working on the
development and delivery of all
policies and services for children
and young people.

Identify structures and mechanisms for engaging with
children in health and social services
HSE Engaging Children
Working Group

Compile best practice guidelines for health and social
services
HSE Engaging Children
Working Group

Conduct learning and dissemination events for CSCs (as
per Outcome 1)
CES OMCYA

Ongoing communication with key government agencies /
departments
OMCYA HSE
Ongoing

Prepare outline communications strategy for CSCs
(following on from governance review)
OMCYA(AOD) CES
Q2 2010
NCSIG OMCYA
Q3 2010
Communications strategy should
outline:

Who needs to be
communicated with, about CSCs

What messages need to be
communicated
o
General messages at
national and local level
o
Messages related to
specific issues

How each audience should be
communicated with

Who will communicate with
them, and when

NCSIG reviews and approves communications strategy

Monitor implementation of the communications strategy
(linking into quarterly progress reports and annual report)
NCSIG OMCYA(AOD)
Quarterly &
Annual

Develop national CSC
o Website
o Intranet
OMCYA
OMCYA
Q2 2010
2011
8
3 Year Outcomes
Explanation – What will
achieving the 3 year outcome
involve?
Core activities associated with this outcome
Responsibilities (lead
responsibility is
underlined)
Timeframe –
Proposed end
dates
7. Evaluation plan in
place to assess the
effectiveness of CSCs
as a mechanism for
improving outcomes
for children
The evaluation plan will identify how
the effectiveness of the CSCs will be
evaluated from both a process and
outcome perspective (it is not the
evaluation itself) including assessing
scope for shared services


Agree Workplan Template
Develop a draft evaluation plan
CES OMCYA
CES
Q2 2010
Q1 2011

Review template for CSC Work plans
OMCYA
Q1 2011

Review arrangements for Quarterly CSC Progress Reports
to NCSIG
OMCYA
Q1 2011

NCSIG review and approve draft evaluation plan
NCSIG OMCYA
Q1 2011

Implement CSC evaluation plan
NCSIG
From Q2 2011
CSCs. HSE corporately
ref. Stage 2 in
toolkit
ref. Stage 2 in
toolkit
8. Comparative data
available on
children’s outcomes
at county level,
maximising the use
of information
sharing and data
collection
mechanisms
3 pieces of work currently underway
at national level, related to this
outcome:
 Draft knowledge management
strategy for HSE services for
children (underway, led by
DOHC)
 Data strategy, led by
Taoiseach’s Dept (OMCYA is
leading children’s component)
 National child well-being
indicators
CSC level
 Each CSC to conduct needs analysis, including socio
demographic profile and epidemiological data
 Each CSC to map existing children’s services
National level
 Review alignment of 7 national outcomes with child wellbeing indicators
 Examine existing data held by the partner organisations
(involved in NCSIG and CSCs) and explore the options for
disaggregation by county and sharing this data with
individual CSCs
 Match up the existing data with the child well-being
indicators and national outcomes, identify gaps and feed
into relevant work already underway, including:
o Draft knowledge management strategy for HSE
CSCs
OMCYA
Q4 2009
OMCYA NCSIG HSE
Q2 2010
OMCYA HSE CES
Q3 2010
9
3 Year Outcomes
Explanation – What will
achieving the 3 year outcome
involve?
Core activities associated with this outcome


9. A developing
culture in children’s
services where
evidence informs
policy and practice
Both new and existing CSCs will
have access to the evidence base
and best practice principles around
children’s services delivery and
interagency working.



10. CSCs will have
identified service
delivery and practice
changes which can
As the overarching group
responsible for the implementation
and integration of childrens policy in
practice, the CSCs will focus on
identifying areas for practice



services for children
o Data strategy
Develop guidelines for CSCs in relation to collating and
analysing data on the 7 national outcomes at county level
Develop standard data sharing protocol between
agencies (for aggregate data relating to children), based
on model developed by SDCSC
Identify and communicate the evidence base and best
practice principles around children’s services delivery and
interagency working
o Qualitative process evaluation from 4 pilot sites
o Paper outlining the evidence base identifying
‘what works’ in integrated interagency working
and collaboration
o Experiential learning from initiatives in other
jurisdictions
Develop and disseminate
o A toolkit for the development of a CSC (for ‘start
up’ CSCs)
o An operating guide to support the work of CSCs
(for established CSCs)
Conduct learning and networking events (involving CSCs
and the wider children & youth sector)
Agree a shared work plan for childrens services which is
outcome focused
Collaborate on sharing information on existing services
and outcomes
With support of OMCYA and CES, introduce improved
Responsibilities (lead
responsibility is
underlined)
Timeframe –
Proposed end
dates
OMCYA
Q4 2010
OMCYA NCSIG
2010
CES OMCYA
CES
Q42009/Q1 2010
Q2/Q3 2010
CES OMCYA HSE
Q4 2010
CES OMCYA
CES OMCYA
Next version Q3
2010
Q3 2011
CES OMCYA
Ongoing
CSCs
Ongoing
CSCs
Ongoing
CSCs CES OMCYA
Ongoing
10
3 Year Outcomes
Explanation – What will
achieving the 3 year outcome
involve?
be linked to
improved outcomes
for children.
improvements, collaboration and
joint commissioning of delivery of
children’s services which target
specific outcome improvement for
local children.
Core activities associated with this outcome

systems for data sharing and management
Specifically target areas of overlap and duplication in
service provision to allow reorientation of services to fill
identified gaps.
Responsibilities (lead
responsibility is
underlined)
Timeframe –
Proposed end
dates
CSCs
Ongoing
11